SBK, Portimao: rendezvous with history for Toprak to close the circle against Bautista

Superbike is heading to Portugal for the last round before the summer break, and Toprak Razgatlioglu has a definite plan in his mind. What is it? Simple: to get to win 12 consecutive races, something no one has ever managed to do in SBK history. Starting with Race 2 in Assen, the Turk has proved to be the absolute dominator and on the Portuguese weekend he wants to write a page of history.

As if that were not enough there is also to avenge the bitterness of last year, when Bautista snatched victory in Race 2 away from him with the Turk destroying in anger the fairing of his R1. Times that seem to be really far away considering the current scenarios with Toprak who is more than ever launched towards the world title.

In fact, after the Most round, his lead over Bautista has reached over 100 points and Alvaro's world championship hopes are practically reduced to the bone. At this point all that remains is to lay the groundwork for next season given that the Spaniard is close to renewal with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

The fact remains that Portimao could be a congenial track for the qualities of the #1 so much so that the gap could narrow compared to what has been seen in the last two rounds. In fact, there is no point in hiding: the Algarve track, with its ups and downs, represents one of the favorite tracks of the world champion who aspires to return to play a leading role. We are therefore convinced that Bautista will want to give Toprak a hard time and of the same opinion is Nicolò Bulega, revelation of this World Championship to the point of occupying second position in the Championship.

After the events of WDW, Nicolò is ready to start from where he left off with the intention of confirming a memorable first part of the season. Remaining on the subject of Ducati, there is also curiosity for Andrea Iannone and Danilo Petrucci, who at Most shone on the podium before the accident that involved them on Sunday in Race 2.

Turning instead the gaze to Yamaha there will be to understand what is the potential of Rea and Locatelli with the northern Irishman called upon to turn over a new leaf after the difficulties emerged in the Czech Republic. Different is the case of Alex Lowes and the Kawasaki, currently fourth in the World Championship just 20 points behind Bautista, as well as capable of finding new impetus.

For all fans, we remind you that the Portimao round will be held with the races of the top class early in the evening. HERE are all the schedules.